The return of the Mondial De L’Auto 2018 gave us an in-depth look at what’s to come for the year ahead. We’ve picked our top three moments for a quick read on what you really need to know. So, here’s what made us sit up and listen this year.
THE REIGN OF THE SUV
With SUVs accounting for almost a third of cars on UK roads, the sheer range of options was no surprise. From Suzuki’s Jimny to Skoda’s 7-seater Kodiaq vRS, brands are pulling out all the stops for a segment that’s tripled in market share in under ten years. We were introduced to the all-new Mercedes GLE – still taking charge 21 years since its original launch, spawning five million SUV sales and seven models in its expanding range. The all-new GLE promises an advanced suspension system to surpass that of the S-Class, with a long-range hybrid variant yet to come.
We were also given a glimpse into the future, with brands taking an innovative attitude to their SUV concepts. Peugeot’s beautifully designed e-Legend wowed the crowds this year alongside stiff competition in the Renault K-Z-e, the concept that’s closest to production.
Infiniti's Karim Habib left show-goers with a little insider information – a new Lexus SUV could be on the way for the luxury performance manufacturer next year. Definitely something to look forward to.
BMW FINALLY REVEAL THE NEW 3-SERIES
How could we round up our favourite moments without mentioning one of the most hotly anticipated events? The launch of the new BMW 3 series – its 7th generation model has finally arrived.
Codenamed ‘G20’, this new addition to the range is an important one for the German brand, boasting more prominent design features, and major changes underneath the bonnet. With superior driving dynamics, top-of-its-class efficiency, more legroom (a real bugbear for lovers of the 3-series), and a range of M-Performance parts to increase aerodynamics, the new 3-series is coming in hotter than ever.
THE FUTURE IS ELECTRIC
This year, several brands stepped up to the podium to collect their EV honours. Special mention goes to the Audi e-Tron, the brand’s first stand-alone electric model, and the Mercedes-Benz EQC, both boasting a 249-mile range. Of course, we can’t mention the word ‘electric’ without acknowledging the high-spec Tesla Model 3, the proposed electric competitor to the BMW 3-series. Designed for ultra-high endurance, the infamous Elon Musk tested his latest prodigy over a whopping 1 million miles to find that its parts were still very much in good condition, shown in all their glory in a recent tweet from Musk.
The Jaguar I-PACE also made its presence known with some intriguing stats: 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds and 395bph? Sign us up.
Peugeot CEO Jean Phillipe Imparato left his audience with some pertinent thoughts on EV production: "One of the biggest challenges we face is not technology, is not product, it's not charging time, it's charging plugs. Where are all the plugs!? Go and find a plug now. People don't want to pay to have plugs in their apartments."
Timely and thought-provoking, Imparato’s words served as a caution in the industry’s race to meet their all-electric deadlines. Will the on-road tech be available? We’ll have to wait and see, but there’s one thing for sure – your local Eurorepar Car Service centre will always be on hand to help you navigate through any new technologies, or for your MOT, service, or repair. Find your local centre here and book online today!
